Ankylosing Spondylitis

Can people with Ankylosing Spondylitis work? What kind of work can they perform?

See how people with experience in Ankylosing Spondylitis give their opinion about whether people with Ankylosing Spondylitis can work and what kind of jobs are more appropriated for people with Ankylosing Spondylitis

Can people with Ankylosing Spondylitis work?

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It can also affect other joints and organs in the body. While AS can have a significant impact on a person's daily life, many individuals with this condition are able to continue working.

It is important to note that the ability to work with AS can vary greatly from person to person. The severity of symptoms, the progression of the disease, and the individual's overall health and functional abilities all play a role in determining their ability to work.

Some individuals with AS may experience mild symptoms that are manageable with appropriate treatment and lifestyle modifications. These individuals may be able to continue working in their current occupation without significant limitations.

However, others may experience more severe symptoms that can make it challenging to perform certain job tasks. The pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility associated with AS can affect a person's ability to stand, sit, or move for extended periods. Fatigue and difficulty sleeping, which are common in AS, can also impact work performance.

It is crucial for individuals with AS to work closely with their healthcare team to manage their symptoms and develop strategies to accommodate their condition in the workplace. This may involve a combination of medication, physical therapy, exercise, and lifestyle modifications.

Employers also have a role to play in supporting individuals with AS in the workplace. They should be aware of the condition and its potential impact on job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be necessary to ensure that individuals with AS can perform their job duties effectively.

Some examples of accommodations that may be helpful for individuals with AS include:

Providing ergonomic workstations or adjustable desks and chairs to support proper posture and reduce strain on the spine.

Allowing flexible work hours or the option to work from home to manage fatigue and accommodate medical appointments.

Modifying job tasks or providing assistive devices to reduce physical strain and minimize repetitive movements.

Providing access to a quiet and comfortable space for rest breaks or stretching exercises.

Offering support and understanding from supervisors and colleagues to reduce stress and promote a positive work environment.

It is important for individuals with AS to communicate openly with their employers about their condition and any limitations or accommodations they may need. This can help foster a supportive work environment and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to enable them to work effectively.

While some individuals with AS may need to make adjustments to their work environment or job tasks, it is important to remember that many people with this condition are able to lead fulfilling and productive work lives.

Ultimately, the ability to work with AS depends on the individual's specific circumstances, the nature of their job, and the support they receive from their healthcare team and employer. With proper management and accommodations, many individuals with AS can continue to work and contribute to the workforce.

by Diseasemaps

As a person who's had this disease for 11 years, I have recently (about 2weeks ago) had to quit a job I love because of the progression of this disease. It was quite a blow realizing that my body was betraying me so much I had to stop being the me I knew and start on a different path.

3/4/17 by Denise 450

Depends on the type of work and the level of pain. Sitting jobs are the worse, as the pain and stiffness get worse after longer periods of no (or minimum) physical activity. Some useful tips: http://www.everydayhealth.com/arthritis/on-the-job-with-ankylosing-spondylitis.aspx https://www.quora.com/What-careers-are-most-suitable-for-people-who-have-Ankylosing-Spondylitis

3/4/17 by kat1 1050

I believe people with AS can work in sedentary jobs or jobs that don't require heavy lifting and alot of bending, stooping, walking, etx, and allow for breaks as we have to get up and down at times due to pain and stiffness. In early stages of is easier than when it progresses. As a nurse it took me almost 15 years to get diagnosed and I worked up until last 2 years and I'm not longer able to now. It was to physical with lifting and pushing heavy med carts and such. Due to back being so fragile and other joints as well that are affected it is very difficult to carry out even small task at times. So I would say as the disease progresses a large % are unable to work due to pain and fusion or illness from treatment or just put bodies staying sick and missing work so much and requiring special axxomadsrions most work places want allow. If I had to guess maybe 50% work

3/4/17 by Heather 1120

3/5/17 by Richard Deery 600

Depends on their level of pain. Range of motion.

5/17/17 by Shannon 1050

Any job that is sedentary will likely be problematic. Movement is important.

5/17/17 by Keli 1050

I work as a chef and refuse to give up I know one day it will get the better of me I think it depends on the maturity of the condition and how quickly it's treated

5/17/17 by Simon 300

Low impact work

5/18/17 by Karlie 1150

It is up to the person

5/18/17 by kelly cannell 500

Many people with this disease are able to work. It helps to have a understanding employer. Take regular breaks. If sitting for long periods get up and move often. An easy low impact job is usually better long term.

5/19/17 by Kylie Frost 2120

I work a desk Job, I would say at this point I would not be able to work a labor job or standing all day position. I just could not personally.

5/19/17 by Tamra 1750

Every one is different. I find staying active helps. I have standing desk that has been a life saver. Once fusion of other than tail bone happens, jobs would be limited. Affected organs also would limit jobs.

7/24/17 by 1000

Yes, whatever they are comfortable doing

8/31/17 by BigStu111 12832

Yes, with restrictions on lifting. Any Sales Representative positions.

9/6/17 by Daniel Wilson 2010

They can work in any field they want, depending on how their Ankylosing Spondylitis is for them. I would think work with heavy items that one got to carry is not wise. The % of people with AS that can work in any field I think is about 60%

9/7/17 by Luciano Scariano 2600

Yes they can depending on there situation not everyone is the same Only work to what your body allows Light work is best Desk work is the worst cause you can't move around

9/7/17 by Carol 600

I work, though others may not be able. I did entertain a disability retirement until agreeing to biologic regiment, made all the difference and allows me to continue working

9/10/17 by Sal 4050

Yes, Motivation,proper Diet Plan,Social Media Constancy

9/21/17 by Rana Navid Anwaar Khan 3945

Lavori pesanti non possono svolgerli Lavori di ufficio si ma con stacchi per dare mobilità alla colonna e alle anche

10/1/17 by Silvia 2500

People can be affected differently by AS, different stage of the illness and also different response with the treatment. Also depending on how the illness has already affected their life, their mobility or strength. Then also they are different type of work which some might help and other might suits better someone and the condition. Therefore, everyone will have a different way of living with AS. Sedentary job may need a special care of taking breaks or trying to move the joints as much as possible, while active job may help it my need special care on carrying weight for exemple. But in both case posture and range of motion is a must. It is also possible to adapt or adjust a place of work for exemple as having a higher desktop to be working standing up.

2/16/18 by Laeti 3570

Yes. It often depends on the severity of the disease and the type of work involved, number of hours

5/31/18 by Colleen 2550

Translated from portuguese Improve translation

Can work, as long as not to load weight, do not stay too long in the same position and not make any effort.

8/10/17 by Andressa. Translated

Translated from portuguese Improve translation

Yes, without weight and work load

8/14/17 by Luz. Translated

Translated from portuguese Improve translation

Can, depends on the symptoms and sequelae of each.

8/15/17 by Adriana. Translated

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